U.S. patent application number 12/711016 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-25 for graphical display with scrollable graphical elements.
This patent application is currently assigned to PACCAR INC. Invention is credited to Shawn Brewer, Christopher Tarte.
Application Number | 20110209092 12/711016 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44477525 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110209092 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tarte; Christopher ; et
al. |
August 25, 2011 |
GRAPHICAL DISPLAY WITH SCROLLABLE GRAPHICAL ELEMENTS
Abstract
Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a
graphical display that efficiently conveys information to a vehicle
operator. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided
that presents scrollable graphical elements on a shared screen
area. More specifically, the method includes assigning a priority
level to scrollable graphical elements that convey vehicle readings
on the graphical display. Then, the one or more scrollable
graphical elements are rendered on the graphical display at
locations that change locations periodically. When an abnormal
vehicle reading is identified, the method dynamically assigns an
enhanced priority level to the scrollable graphical element that is
configured to convey the abnormal vehicle reading. If the
scrollable graphical element is currently assigned an off-screen
location, the method causes the scrollable graphical element to be
rendered.
Inventors: |
Tarte; Christopher;
(Roanoke, TX) ; Brewer; Shawn; (Denton,
TX) |
Assignee: |
PACCAR INC
Bellevue
WA
|
Family ID: |
44477525 |
Appl. No.: |
12/711016 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/830 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 35/00 20130101;
B60K 2370/155 20190501; B60K 37/06 20130101; B60K 2370/154
20190501; B60K 2370/195 20190501; B60K 37/02 20130101; B60K
2370/151 20190501; B60K 2370/186 20190501 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/830 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048 |
Claims
1. A graphical display having modules for presenting information to
a vehicle operator, comprising: a user interface module configured
to obtain input and render graphical elements on the graphical
display; a prioritization module operative to: assign a default
priority level to graphical elements that convey readings on the
user interface; identify an abnormal condition and dynamically
assign an enhanced priority level to a corresponding scrollable
graphical element; and a scrolling display module configured to
cause the user interface to render a set of scrollable graphical
elements at locations that change locations periodically; wherein
at least one scrollable graphical element is assigned an off-screen
location that is not rendered, and wherein if the at least one
scrollable graphical element is dynamically assigned an enhanced
priority level, the scrolling display module is further configured
to cause the at least one scrollable graphical element to be
rendered on a shared screen area.
2. The graphical display as recited in claim 1, wherein if the at
least one scrollable graphical element that is dynamically assigned
an enhanced priority is currently rendered, the scrolling display
module is further configured to cause the at least one scrollable
graphical element to be rendered at a central location on the
shared screen area.
3. The graphical display as recited in claim 1, wherein the at
least one scrollable graphical element assigned the enhanced
priority level is rendered with one of the following visual
attributes: an increased size, in a color indicative of an abnormal
condition, and flashing.
4. The graphical display as recited in claim 1, wherein the
scrollable graphical elements are rendered at successive locations
along a virtual wheel and rotate locations after a predetermined
period of time.
5. The graphical display as recited in claim 1, wherein the
priority level assigned to the scrollable graphical elements is
configurable and may be modified on demand.
6. The graphical display as recited in claim 1, wherein the value
of the enhanced priority level assigned to the at least one
scrollable graphical element depends on which vehicle system
experienced the abnormal vehicle condition and the extent in which
a reading diverges from normal parameters.
7. The graphical display as recited in claim 1, wherein to cause
the user interface to render the scrollable graphical elements at
locations that change locations periodically includes performing an
animated transition in which a first scrollable graphical element
is visually depicted as moving to an off-screen location and a
second scrollable graphical element is visually depicted as moving
to an on-screen location.
8. A method implemented in computer-executable instructions for
displaying information on a graphical display, the method
comprising: assigning a priority level to scrollable graphical
elements associated with the graphical display that convey vehicle
readings; rendering one or more scrollable graphical elements on
the graphical display at locations on a shared screen area;
rotating locations where the one or more scrollable graphical
elements are displayed, wherein at least one scrollable graphical
element is temporarily assigned an off-screen location that is not
rendered on the shared screen area; identifying an abnormal
reading; dynamically assigning an enhanced priority level to a
scrollable graphical element that corresponds to the abnormal
reading; and if the scrollable graphical element is currently
associated with an off-screen location, causing the scrollable
graphical element to be rendered on the shared screen area.
9. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein if the scrollable
graphical element is currently associated with an on-screen
location, causing the scrollable graphical element to be rendered
at a central location on the shared screen area.
10. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the scrollable
graphical element that corresponds to the abnormal reading is
rendered with at least one of the following visual attributes: an
increased size, in a color indicative of an abnormal condition, and
flashing.
11. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the value of the
enhanced priority level assigned to the scrollable graphical
element depends on which vehicle system experienced the abnormal
vehicle condition and the extent in which a reading diverges from
normal parameters.
12. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the priority level
assigned to the scrollable graphical elements is defined in
application-based settings that may be modified on demand.
13. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the one or more
scrollable graphical elements are rendered at successive locations
along a virtual wheel and rotate locations once a predetermined
period of time elapses.
14. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the rotation of the
one or more scrollable graphical elements is based on a
corresponding rotation in a hardware-based wheel.
15. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein rotating positions
where the one or more scrollable graphical elements are displayed
includes performing an animated transition in which a first
scrollable graphical element is visually depicted as moving to an
off-screen location and a second scrollable graphical element is
visually depicted as moving to an on-screen location.
16. A system for conveying information to a vehicle operator,
comprising: a graphical display for displaying graphical elements
that convey vehicle readings; a memory storing a scrolling display
module having program instructions for displaying a set of
scrollable graphical elements on the graphical display; and a
processor configured to execute the program instructions of the
scrolling display module to: cause the graphical display to render
one or more scrollable graphical elements at locations that change
periodically, wherein at least one scrollable graphical element is
associated with an off-screen location that is not rendered on a
shared screen area; after a lapse of a predetermined period of
time, change the locations where the one or more scrollable
graphical elements are displayed, including: transition a first
scrollable graphical element previously associated with an
off-screen location to an on-screen location that is rendered on
the shared screen area; and transition a second scrollable
graphical element to an off-screen location that is not rendered on
the shared screen area.
17. The system as recited in claim 16, further comprising a
hardware-based wheel for receiving user input to change the
locations where the one or more scrollable graphical elements are
displayed.
18. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein to render the one or
more scrollable graphical elements includes: assigning a priority
level to each of the one or more scrollable graphical elements;
identifying an abnormal reading; dynamically assigning an enhanced
priority level to a scrollable graphical element that corresponds
to the abnormal reading; and causing the scrollable graphical
element that corresponds to the abnormal reading to be rendered on
the shared screen area.
19. The system as recited in claim 18, wherein the scrollable
graphical element that corresponds to the abnormal reading is
rendered with at least one of the following visual attributes: an
increased size, in a color indicative of an abnormal condition, and
flashing.
20. The system as recited in claim 18, wherein the priority level
assigned to each of the one or more scrollable graphical elements
is defined in application-based settings that may be modified on
demand.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Increasingly, electronic components are being relied upon to
facilitate the operation of a vehicle. These electronic components
aid in the development of sophisticated vehicle systems such as
collision detection systems, automated cruise control systems,
global positioning navigation, and the like. In this regard,
systems have been developed that allow electronic components to
communicate in accordance with standard protocols. For example, a
sensor, which may have been developed by an engine manufacturer,
may encapsulate and transmit data in accordance with a standard
protocol. A cab-mounted electronic control unit developed by a
different entity may receive and process the received data. Since
standard communication protocols exist, components from different
manufacturers are able to communicate so that readings may be
presented to a vehicle operator.
[0002] A graphical display within an interior surface of a vehicle
is provided to convey information to a vehicle operator. With the
continued development of sophisticated vehicle systems, increasing
amounts of information about vehicle conditions should be
accessible to a vehicle operator. However, limitations in display
area size may preclude the display of some readings that describe
all vehicle conditions.
SUMMARY
[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended to be
used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0004] Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a
graphical display that efficiently conveys information to a vehicle
operator. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided
that presents scrollable graphical elements on a shared screen
area. More specifically, the method includes assigning a priority
level to scrollable graphical elements that convey vehicle readings
on the graphical display. Then, the one or more scrollable
graphical elements are rendered on the graphical display at
locations that change locations periodically. When an abnormal
vehicle reading is identified, the method dynamically assigns an
enhanced priority level to the scrollable graphical element that is
configured to convey the abnormal vehicle reading. If the
scrollable graphical element is currently assigned an off-screen
location, the method causes the scrollable graphical element to be
rendered.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily
appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to
the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a pictorial depiction of an exemplary system
architecture that illustrates components suitable for implementing
aspects of the disclosed subject matter;
[0007] FIGS. 2A-2E are exemplary user interfaces depicting aspects
of a graphical display in accordance with additional embodiments of
the disclosed subject matter; and
[0008] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a display method for rendering
scrollable graphical elements on a graphical display in accordance
with additional embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Prior to discussing the details of the graphical display
with scrollable graphical elements, it should be understood that
the following description is presented largely in terms of logic
and operations that may be performed by conventional components.
These components, which may be grouped in a single location or
distributed over a wide area, generally include processors, memory,
storage devices, display panels, input devices, etc. In
circumstances where the components are distributed, the components
are accessible to each other via communication links. In the
following description, numerous specific details are set forth in
order to provide a description of the graphical display with
scrollable graphical elements. It will be apparent to one skilled
in the art, however, that the disclosed subject matter may be
practiced without some or all of the specific details.
[0010] FIG. 1 and the following discussion is intended to provide a
brief, general description of a system architecture in a truck 100
for implementing aspects of the disclosed subject matter. In the
example depicted in FIG. 1, the truck 100 includes an electronic
control unit 106 that is associated with a graphical display 108.
As described in further detail below, the graphical display 108 is
used to present information to a vehicle operator. In addition, the
electronic control unit 106 is communicatively connected to a set
of information generating components 110 via the vehicle-wide
network 112. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
the system architecture of the truck 100 will include many more
components than those depicted in FIG. 1. However, it is not
necessary that all of these generally conventional components be
shown or described. Moreover, while FIG. 1 depicts a truck 100,
another type of "vehicle" such as a car, boat, Recreational Vehicle
("RV"), vessel, etc., may be used to implement aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0011] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the electronic control
unit 106 may communicate with the information generating components
110 over the vehicle-wide network 112. Those skilled in the art and
others will recognize that the vehicle-wide network 112 may be
implemented using any number of different communication systems,
such as the Society of Automotive Engineers' (SAE) J1939 standard.
However, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented using
other types of currently existing or yet-to-be-developed
communication systems without departing from the scope of the
claimed subject matter. For example, the information generating
components 110 may be connected to the electronic control unit 106
using other electrical and/or mechanical communication systems.
[0012] In the illustrative embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the truck
100 includes an electronic control unit 106. In one embodiment, the
electronic control unit 106 serves as an in-vehicle computing
device for managing the collection and dissemination of
information. The electronic control unit 106 may collect
information over the vehicle-wide network 112 from the information
generating components 110. The collected information may be
processed so that the appropriate readings may be presented on the
graphical display 108. In this regard and by way of example only,
the information generating components 110 may report information
about a number of vehicle systems including but not limited to fuel
levels, tire pressure monitoring, battery level, injection systems,
transmission and engine temperatures, collision detection systems,
hybrid drives, heating/cooling systems, among others.
[0013] In the illustrative embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the
electronic control unit 106 includes a memory 114 with a random
access memory ("RAM") 115 and an electronically erasable,
programmable, read-only memory ("EEPROM") 116, a processor 118, and
a scrolling display module 120. Those skilled in the art and others
will recognize that the EEPROM 116 may be a nonvolatile memory
capable of storing data even through interruptions in the
availability of power. Conversely, the RAM 115 may be a volatile
form of memory that stores program instructions for direct access
by the processor 118. Typically, a fetch-and-execute cycle in which
instructions are sequentially "fetched" from the RAM 115 and
executed by the processor 118 is performed. In this regard, the
processor 118 is configured to operate in accordance with
executable instructions that are available from the RAM 115.
[0014] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the memory 114 includes a
scrolling display module 120 that implements logic for efficiently
presenting information on the graphical display 108. In particular,
the scrolling display module 120 causes scrollable graphical
elements that convey a variety of vehicle readings to be displayed
on a rotating "virtual wheel." The locations in which graphical
elements are displayed may change periodically or a vehicle
operator may use an input device to cause a desired graphical
element to be displayed. Additional aspects of the scrolling
display module 120 are described in further detail below.
[0015] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and
others, FIG. 1 provides an example of one system architecture for
implementing aspects of the present disclosure. In other
embodiments, the functions and features of the truck 100 may be
implemented using other components. For example, while FIG. 1
depicts an electronic control unit 106 that uses an EEPROM 116 for
nonvolatile memory storage, those skilled in the art and others
will recognize that other types of memory may be used. Thus, FIG. 1
depicts one component architecture for practicing the present
disclosure, but other component architectures may be used without
departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0016] Now, with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E, a representative section
of graphical display 108 (FIG. 2) that may be used to illustrate
aspects of the present disclosure will be described. The graphical
display 108 may present different types of "graphical elements" to
a vehicle operator. These graphical elements may be comprised of
various objects used to convey information including, but not
limited to, text, icons, images, animations, and combinations
thereof. While some of the graphical elements may be presented at
fixed locations, other graphical elements are configured to be
selectively displayed on a shared screen space. The selective
display of "scrollable" graphical elements increases the amount of
information that can be made available to a vehicle operator.
[0017] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, the
graphical elements presented on the graphical display 108 includes
the tachometer 200, speedometer 202, and the trip description
element 204. As known to those skilled in the art, the tachometer
200 and speedometer 202 may present information to convey the
engine and vehicle speed, respectively, to a vehicle operator. For
example, engine and vehicle speed information may be collected by
the electronic control unit 106 from an information generating
component 110. The collected data is processed so that the
appropriate readings may be presented on both the tachometer 200
and speedometer 202. In a similar way, data may be collected and
processed in order to present readings for the other graphical
elements presented of the graphical display 108.
[0018] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, the
graphical display 108 includes a shared screen area 206 on which a
"UREA" graphical element 208 that conveys information about the
quantity of fuel available to the fuel injection system is
rendered. The "UREA" graphical element 208 includes an icon, a
text-based description, and a text-based reading. In this
embodiment, the tachometer 200, the speedometer 202, and the trip
description element 204 are continually displayed at fixed
locations on the graphical display 108. By contrast, scrollable
graphical elements such as the "UREA" graphical element 208, are
selectively displayed at potentially multiple locations on the
shared screen area 206. As described in further detail below, a
plurality of scrollable graphical elements may be presented on the
shared screen area 206 in a way that improves the utilization of
screen space.
[0019] FIG. 2B includes the graphical display 108 that was
described above with reference to FIG. 2A. Similar to the
description provided above, the graphical display 108 depicted in
FIG. 2B includes the tachometer 200, speedometer 202, trip
description element 204, and the "UREA" graphical element 208.
However, an animated transition is represented in FIG. 2B in which
scrollable graphical elements are transitioning to different
locations. In particular, both the "UREA" graphical element 208 and
the "VOLTAGE" graphical element 210 are presented on the shared
screen area 206 during the animated transition. In normal
operation, a graphical element may be rendered at a central
location 212 on the shared screen area 206 for a predetermined
period of time (i.e., two seconds). Then, a transition may occur in
which the first graphical element (i.e., the "UREA" graphical
element 208) transitions from the central location 212 toward a
secondary location 214. A second graphical element (i.e., the
"VOLTAGE" graphical element 210) can be presented concurrently as
moving from an "off-screen" location toward the central location
212. During the transition, the scrollable graphical element
displayed as transitioning toward the secondary location 214 may be
depicted in a reduced size and/or opacity. Then, upon completing
the animated transition, the first graphical element (i.e., the
"UREA" graphical element 208) is associated with an "off-screen"
location that is not rendered. However, the second graphical
element (i.e., the "VOLTAGE" graphical element 210) is then
presented on the shared screen area 206 for the predetermined
period of time (i.e., two seconds). During normal operation, the
scrollable graphical elements associated with the scrolling display
module 120 (FIG. 1) may be selectively displayed on the shared
screen area 206 in this way.
[0020] FIGS. 2A-2B provide an example in which one scrollable
graphical element is presented on the shared screen area 206 for a
predetermined period of time before a transition occurs. In another
embodiment, two or more scrollable graphical elements are displayed
on the shared screen area 206 at positions that rotate upon the
occurrence of a transition. In the example depicted in FIG. 2C, the
graphical display 108 includes the same fixed graphical elements
200-204 as described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B. However,
a plurality of scrollable graphical elements that rotate to
different locations are rendered on the shared screen area 206. In
this example, the "TRANS. TEMP." graphical element 220 and the
"FUEL ECONOMY" graphical element 222 are concurrently displayed on
the shared screen area 206. When a transition occurs, the
transition causes the scrollable graphical elements 220-222 to move
to a different location on a "virtual wheel." In this regard, FIG.
2D provides an example of the configuration of the graphical
display 108 after a transition to the scrollable graphical elements
220-222 depicted in FIG. 2C. Upon completing the transition, the
"TRANS. TEMP." graphical element 220 is assigned to an "off-screen"
location. The "FUEL ECONOMY" graphical element 222 moves and is
displayed at a location previously used to display the "TRANS.
TEMP." graphical element 220. A new scrollable graphical element
(i.e., the "TIRE PRESSURE" graphical element 224) transitions from
an off-screen location and is rendered at the location previously
occupied by the "FUEL ECONOMY" graphical element 222.
[0021] In one embodiment, the locations in which the graphical
elements are rendered on the shared screen area 206 transition
after a predetermined period of time. In addition or alternatively,
a vehicle operator may activate a hardware-based control to scroll
through and access desired readings. For example, a revolving
hardware wheel (not illustrated) may be provided within the console
of the vehicle. The vehicle operator may rotate the hardware-based
wheel in order to cause corresponding transitions to the graphical
elements that are displayed on the shared screen area 206. Those
skilled in the art and others will recognize that other types of
controls may be used to obtain user input without departing from
the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0022] Now with reference to FIG. 2E, additional aspects of the
graphical display 108 also depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D will be
described. Similar to the description provided above with reference
to FIGS. 2A-2D, the graphical display 108 depicted in FIG. 2E
includes the fixed graphical elements 200-204. Similar to FIG. 2D,
the "FUEL ECONOMY" graphical element 222 and the "TIRE PRESSURE"
graphical element 224 are rendered on the shared screen area 206.
In this instance, however, a scrollable graphical element that
provides information about an abnormal vehicle condition is also
rendered on the shared screen area 206. Specifically, the "TRANS.
TEMP." graphical element 220 that was previously allocated an
"off-screen" location is rendered. In this example, an abnormally
high transmission temperature was detected. In response, the
graphical element associated with the abnormal reading (i.e., the
"TRANS. TEMP." graphical element 220) is immediately displayed to
notify the vehicle operator of the abnormal vehicle condition. A
graphical element that conveys information about the abnormal
vehicle condition may be assigned a priority so that the graphical
element is displayed in a way to attract the attention of the
vehicle operator. In the example depicted in FIG. 2E, the "TRANS.
TEMP." graphical element 220 may be displayed at a central location
on the shared screen area 206. In addition or alternatively, the
graphical element 220 may be displayed with increased size, in a
color indicative of an abnormal or warning condition (e.g., yellow,
red, etc.) and/or flashing in one or more colors, etc.
[0023] While specific configurations of the graphical display 108
have been described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E, those
skilled in the art and others will recognize that the features of
the disclosed subject matter may be configured in other ways. For
example, graphical elements that convey information about specific
vehicle conditions are described with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E.
However, aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be used to
convey information about other types of vehicle conditions.
Accordingly, the examples provided above with reference to FIGS.
2A-2E should be construed as exemplary.
[0024] Now with reference to FIG. 3, a flow diagram that depicts
one exemplary embodiment of a display method 300 formed in
accordance with the disclosed subject matter will be described. In
one embodiment, the display method 300 may be implemented by the
scrolling display module 120 in the electronic control unit 106
(FIG. 1). Accordingly, data may be collected from a plurality of
information generating components 110 so that the appropriate
readings may be presented on the graphical display 108, as
described above.
[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the display method 300 begins at
block 302, and at block 304, a start-up event occurs that will
cause graphics to be rendered on the graphical display 108.
Generally described, a start-up event is an event type that will
cause the graphical display 108 to transition from an inactive
state to an active state. By way of example only, the start-up
event that occurs at block 304 may be the ignition of the vehicle's
engine, which results in power being supplied to an ignition bus.
Also, the graphical display 108 may be put to "sleep" in a reduced
power state when the vehicle is inactive for a predetermined period
of time. Thus, the start-up event may be another type of event,
such as the return of the graphical display 108 from a reduced
power state.
[0026] As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the display method 300
renders a set of default graphical elements on the graphical
display 108, at block 306. The graphical elements that are rendered
may be defined in default settings and be similar to the graphical
elements depicted in FIGS. 2A-2E. In conjunction with rendering the
default graphical elements, the electronic control unit 106 begins
collecting data from the information generating components 110.
This data may be continually collected and processed so that
current readings may be conveyed on the graphical display 108. As
described in further detail below, each graphical element that may
be rendered on the graphical display 108 is assigned a priority
level that can dynamically change based on vehicle conditions. When
readings are within normal operating parameters, a corresponding
graphical element may be assigned a default priority level.
However, a graphical element may be reassigned an enhanced priority
level if an abnormal condition is detected. This aspect of the
present disclosure is described in further detail below.
[0027] The graphical elements rendered, at block 306, include at
least one scrollable graphical element that is selectively
displayed as described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E. In this
regard, application settings identify the scrollable graphical
elements to selectively display on the shared screen area 206.
These settings can be configured/re-configured without having to
modify the configuration of any hardware associated with the
graphical display 108. Accordingly, an entity, such as a fleet
owner or user, may set and modify the configuration of the
graphical display 108 including which scrollable graphical elements
are selectively displayed.
[0028] At block 308 of the display method 300, a triggering event
is detected that will instigate a change in how scrollable
graphical elements are rendered. As described above with reference
to FIGS. 2A-2E, a number of different triggering events may be
defined. During normal operations, the scrollable graphical
elements are depicted at locations on the shared screen area 206
that change or rotate periodically. In this instance, a triggering
event is generated periodically to cause the scrollable graphical
elements to transition to a new location. However, other types of
triggering events may interrupt the periodic rotation of scrollable
graphical elements. For example, a triggering event is also
generated when an abnormal vehicle condition is detected so that a
corresponding graphical element may be displayed.
[0029] At decision block 310 of the display method 300, a test is
performed to determine whether the triggering event, detected at
block 308, relates to an abnormal vehicle condition. To determine
whether an abnormal vehicle condition exists, data collected by the
electronic control unit 106 may be compared to a set of data that
define normal operating parameters. For example, a component or
vehicle manufacture may establish normal operating parameters for
various components and systems. These parameters may be compared to
actual readings being reported by the information generating
components 110. In instances when an actual reading is outside a
normal range, the result of the test performed at block 310 is
"Yes." In this instance, when an abnormal vehicle condition is the
triggering event, the display method 300 proceeds to block 312. In
contrast, if the triggering event relates to the periodic rotation
of scrollable graphical elements, then the result of the test
performed at block 310 is "No." In this instance, the display
method 300 proceeds to block 314, described in further detail
below.
[0030] At block 312 of the display method 300, a scrollable
graphical element associated with the abnormal vehicle condition is
assigned an enhanced priority level. The priority levels assigned
may depend on which vehicle component or system experienced the
abnormal vehicle condition. In addition, the priority level
assigned may depend on the extent in which a reading diverges from
normal parameters. For example, the detection of a transmission
temperature that diverges substantially from a normal reading may
be assigned an enhanced priority level that is indicative of a
critical condition. A tire pressure reading that diverges a small
amount from normal parameters may be assigned an enhanced priority
level that is lower than a high transmission temperature. Moreover,
a manufacturer, fleet operator, and/or user may define which
priority levels will be assigned to various abnormal vehicle
conditions. In any event, upon detection of an abnormal vehicle
condition, a scrollable graphical element associated with the
abnormal condition is assigned an enhanced priority level at block
312.
[0031] At block 314 of the display method 300, logic for
implementing a transition to the rendering of scrollable graphical
elements is executed. In one type of transition, scrollable
graphical elements are moved to successive locations on a "virtual"
wheel. In this instance, the scrollable graphical elements are
depicted at a particular location for a predetermined period of
time (i.e., two seconds). Then, a transition occurs in which one or
more of the scrollable graphical elements move to the next
successive location. This type of transition will typically result
in at least one scrollable graphical element transitioning to an
"off-screen" location. Moreover, at least one scrollable graphical
element that was not previously displayed is moved to an
"on-screen" location.
[0032] In another embodiment, the transition performed at block 314
involves displaying a scrollable graphical element to convey
information about an abnormal vehicle condition. In the example
described above with reference to FIG. 2E, logic for implementing
the transition involves causing a scrollable graphical element
(i.e., the "TRANS. TEMP." graphical element 220) that was
previously allocated an "off-screen" location to be displayed. In
other instances, logic for implementing the transition executed at
block 316 involves changing the position of a scrollable graphical
element that is currently displayed. For example, upon the
detection of an abnormal vehicle condition, a scrollable graphical
element that is currently displayed may be moved to a more
prominent location.
[0033] The logic for implementing a transition executed at block
314 may involve setting/changing the visual attributes of a
scrollable graphical element. The visual attributes of a scrollable
graphical element may be based on an assigned priority level. For
example, if a scrollable graphical element (i.e., "TRANS. TEMP."
graphical element 220) is associated with an enhanced priority
level that is critical, it may be displayed in a first color (i.e.,
red) to provide a strong visual indicator of the critical
condition. On the other hand, if the condition is less critical but
still abnormal, the scrollable graphical element may be displayed
in a second color (e.g., yellow) to provide a warning to the
vehicle operator. Moreover, logic for implementing the transition
executed at block 314 may affect the visual attributes of
scrollable graphical elements in other ways. For example, upon
detection of an abnormal vehicle condition, the transition may
change other visual attributes (i.e., size, contrast ratio,
flashing, opacity, etc.) of a scrollable graphical element. Then,
once the logic for implementing the transition is executed, the
display method 300 proceeds to block 316, where it terminates.
[0034] It should be well understood that the display method 300
described above with reference to FIG. 3 does not show all of the
functions performed when rendering the graphical elements on a
graphical display. Instead, the display method 300 describes
exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Those
skilled in the art and others will recognize that some functions
may be performed in a different order, omitted/added, or otherwise
varied without departing from the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0035] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and
described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosed subject matter.
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